Bio

Stoney Creek Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year

Awarded October, 2024

Associate Creative Director

Wishart by Banko Creative Studio
2024 – present

Having sold Wishart to Banko Creative Studio in April 2024, John is thrilled to be able to provide more services to more clients with more success than ever before.

Visit Banko’s website: www.banko.ca

President + Creative Director

Wishart Advertising + Graphic Design
1989 – 2024

John won over 200 awards for creative excellence while leading Wishart, a boutique social marketing firm that’s helped Canadian charities raise well over TWO BILLION dollars. We created (and continue to create) the greater good!

Visit Wishart’s website: www.wishart.net

Licensed Lay Worship Leader

The United Church of Canada
Since 2012

In his ‘spare’ time, John serves as a licensed lay worship leader. Booked months in advance, John is a favoured speaker for stewardship and anniversary services.

Vice President

Winona Men’s Club
Member since 1996, Vice President since 2015

Having been a member of the Winona Men’s Club for over 20 years, John joined the Executive as a Director in 2018 before becoming Vice-President in early 2019. As a founding partner of the Winona Peach Festival in 1967, the Club’s revenues from the Festival support local community initiatives directed at children and youth. On top of its other philanthropic efforts, John has successfully advocated that the Club invest at least $40,000 annually to support the work of local food banks.

Website: www.winonamensclub.ca

Chair of Stewards, Worship Chair, and Chair of Fifty United Church Council

Fifty United Church
Member since 1996, Provided senior leadership for 17 years

Before becoming a Licensed Lay Worship Leader, John provided volunteer leadership at Fifty United Church: Chair of Stewards (10 years); Worship Chair (6 years); and Chair of Fifty United Church Council (1 year). Currently, John is Co-Chair of the Ministerial Hiring Selection Committee.

Executive Director

Charity Gaming Federation of Ontario
2018 – 2022

As Executive Director, John advocated on behalf of almost 500 charities throughout Ontario as they demanded fair and equal access to Bingo Modernization. The work is ongoing.

Board Chair

Joy and Hope of Haiti
2015 – 2021

As Chair, John was responsible for overseeing a small, volunteer-driven charity that raised over $300,000 annually in order to run 10 schools in Cap-Haïtien with 3,175 students and 268 teachers and staff. Joy and Hope seeks to provide the children of Haiti with transformational Christian education that addresses their minds, bodies and spirits.

Website: www.joyandhopeofhaiti.ca

Founding Board Member

United to Help Syrians
2015 – 2018

John was a founding member of the Board and worked to help bring to Canada — and then successfully settle — a young Syrian family of four. In 2018, the Board was honoured by the Town of Grimsby with a Special Achievement Award for bringing honour to the Grimsby community.

Parent Mentor / Fundraiser

Orchard Park Robotics Team 2056
2007 – 2021

For 14 years, John supported the Team 2056 as it became one of the foremost high school FIRST robotics’ teams in the world. John designed the team’s ubiquitous logo in 2010.

Website: www.2056.ca

Supporter / Donor

CityKidz
1998 – present

An enthusiastic ambassador of CityKidz for over 25 years, John has been a Board member, marketing consultant, designer and copywriter for the Hamilton ministry. John designed the 300-seat theatre and co-created ‘Miracle Sunday’ which seeks to develop meaningful relationships with faith communities.

Website: www.citykidz.ca

Queen’s University

BAH, Double major Film and Politics

Winner of The Tricolour Award. The Tricolour Award and induction in the Tricolour Society is the highest tribute that can be paid to a student for valuable and distinguished service to the University. Also, winner of the Arts and Sciences Undergraduate Society (ASUS) Award. John was involved in fifty activities at Queen’s including President of ASUS.

Hamilton Collegiate Institute

Recognized as the top male student at graduation, John created the school’s only yearbook. (HCI was a Grade 13-only school.)

Westdale Secondary

Numerous awards upon graduation including top student, John was involved in student government for three years culminating as Triune President.